An Example of Service

Jesus defied the world's expectations regarding a divine being. Many Jewish people of that day were looking for a powerful king to liberate them from the Romans-they were prepared to serve and worship that kind of messiah. Instead, the Savior was a humble man who didn't think twice about washing dirty feet. While Jesus Christ could have banished the Roman presence from the region and then been glorified as an earthly ruler, He was very clear about His reason for being here: He came to serve, not to be served (Matt. 20:28).

In fact, Paul refers to Jesus as the lowest form of worker-a bondservant. This type of laborer was responsible for the menial household tasks, including foot washings. Christ came into the world prepared to do whatever work was necessary to move men toward a saving knowledge of Himself. He values every soul. Zacchaeus, a despised tax collector, received His attention and love just as the Pharisee Nicodemus and the rich young ruler did (Luke 19:1-10; 18:18-25; John 3:1-8). Jesus also spent time with people on the lowest rung of the social ladder, healing the sick and afflicted, and speaking with children.

A servant's life is not self-centered but rather is focused on God and His work. The Bible calls us to serve the Father by following in the Son's footsteps. Believers would never refer to Jesus as weak, but those who chase after the world's version of success probably would. Are you prepared to challenge our culture's idea of power by accepting the humble position of servant?